Marquette secured their spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament with a hard-fought 81-77 victory over Colorado on Sunday. The Golden Eagles, led by Tyler Kolek's impressive performance of 21 points and 11 assists, managed to outlast the Buffaloes in a thrilling second-round matchup.
Despite shooting an impressive 61.8% from the field, Marquette found themselves in a tight contest with Colorado, who put up a strong fight with their dynamic offense. Kam Jones contributed 18 points, while David Joplin's crucial free throws in the final seconds sealed the win for the Golden Eagles.
Chase Ross's tiebreaking 3-pointer and Kolek's clutch plays down the stretch helped Marquette maintain their lead, although Colorado made several comeback attempts. KJ Simpson and Tristan da Silva led the charge for the Buffaloes with 20 and 17 points, respectively.
Marquette, under the guidance of coach Shaka Smart, advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013 and will face North Carolina State in the South Region semifinal in Dallas on Friday. The Golden Eagles showcased resilience and composure in a game that saw both teams trading blows until the final buzzer.
Despite Colorado's valiant effort, including a record-setting season and impressive wins in the tournament, they fell just short against a determined Marquette squad. Eddie Lampkin Jr. and Cody Williams contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The second half saw a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with Colorado mounting a comeback to briefly take the lead before Marquette regained control. The game featured impressive shooting displays and high-intensity moments that highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams.
Marquette's victory over Colorado sets the stage for an exciting Sweet 16 matchup and cements their status as a team to watch in the tournament. Fans can expect more thrilling action as the Golden Eagles continue their quest for NCAA glory.
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